How can I operate my Apple Macintosh G4 on solar power?

Question

To save to planet (and my checkbook), I want to operate my Macintosh on solar.

What steps can I take to do this. Thanks to all.

Answer 1

QuickerTek announces the Apple Juicz - a new way to power the Apple MacBook Air using solar power. Three models are priced from $500 to $1,000 USD and fold to a convenient 10.5 size and come with a cool Element messenger bag. These solar panels charge the MacBook Air while in use.

The Apple Juicz Solar Charger requires the sun to charge your MacBook, MacBook Pro or MacBook Air. The flexible thin-film solar cells will charge the MacBook Air in five hours. Since the MacBook Air has a non-removeable battery, alternative power options are welcomed by the Mac community. Especially "green" options.

There are three different solar panels:

* 55 watt model $1000.00 - recharges the MBA in 5 hours, unfolds to 60 x 42 inches

* 27 watt model $600.00 - recharges the MBA in 8 hours, unfolds to 41.5 x 30.5 inches

* 18 watt model $500.00 - recharges the MBA in 14 hours, unfolds to 30.5 x 30 inches

All models require an upgraded MagSafe power adapter. QuickerTek can modify the customer's adapter for $25.00 or purchase a modified MagSafe power adapter for $100.00. Either way, the adapter retains the original functionality with the added advantage of being able to hook into the Apple Juicz line. Each unit comes with a cool Element messenger bag which holds everything nicely.

Like most QuickerTek products, the Apple Juicz Solar Charger is backed with a one-year warranty on parts and labor.

QuickerTek:

http://ttp://www.quickertek.com/

Apple Juicz Solar Charger:

http://www.quickertek.com/products/apple...

Purchase Link:

http://www.quickertek.com/products/apple...

Screenshot:

http://www.quickertek.com/products/apple...

Answer 2

Only a Mac user would ask this question.

Answer 3

Computers use gobs of electricity so you'll need to have a pretty large array of photovoltaic cells and batteries.

Go to this site which has plenty of advice and links, etc.

http://www.green-planet-solar-energy.com...

Answer 4

If your G4 power supply is like the one below, I'm guessing you'll need 300 watts.  And that doesn't count the monitor.  So let's say 400 watts.

The investment to run that off solar would be high, but it would not be impossible to do.  If you're trying to conserve your checkbook, solar won't help in this case, not today.  If you're trying to save the planet, conservation is your best first move.  You might be able to save as much electricity as the Mac uses just by turning off lights in unused rooms in your house.

Anyway, to sketch out the boundaries of the problem, to get 400 watts you would need 2 rooftop type panels, covering 25 square feet.  That's with good panels - if you use less efficient ones, or portable types, it would be even more area.  The cost for these would be about $1500.  And that's a solution that only works when the sun is shining on the panels.  I'm not trying to scare you away from solar (we have solar), just trying to outline realistic expectations.